By: Hannah Zhang
The NBA is the best basketball league in the entire world, garnering millions of views each season. The league’s success is largely tied to the aspiring NBA star Ja Morant, who is adored by many fans for his talent on the court as a point guard. With his popularity skyrocketing, the new star became the center of news after receiving a 25-game ban just last Friday for waving guns around in public.
Ja Morant is a star of the Memphis Grizzlies, described by the New York Times as the “small but electrifying point guard.” He is “one of the most popular jerseys in the N.B.A.,” according to the New York Times, and has garnered tens of millions of followers across Twitter and Instagram.
The Grizzlies’ point guard was put on a 25-game ban after video evidence on March 4th and May 13th cited that he had carelessly waved a gun in both his car and in front of a nightclub. According to Adam Silver, an NBA commissioner, it was “irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous” for Morant to be doing this.
Morant was allegedly caught on Instagram Live Streams both times, leaving Mr. Silver “shocked,” according to ESPN.
Moreover, articles online were arguing in favor of a punishment for Morant’s actions even before he received his penalty. For example, according to Forbes, “Morant, the thrilling yet troubled point guard who shouldn’t be allowed to work for the Grizzlies or for anybody else in the league until, well, slightly shy of forever.”
Kris Brown, the president of a nonprofit organization (Brady) that aims to deter gun violence, has also spoken out at why it was fitting for Morant to face consequences for his actions.
“Public figures have a responsibility to be held accountable for how they engage on these kinds of life-and-death issues. It’s not a small thing,” Ms. Brown states. “People could die if they handle firearms in such a cavalier way, and they do every day.”
Amidst the opinions and ideas about the suspension, emerges a fact as clear as day. Morant has joined the list of NBA stars who are currently serving their game bans. Still, even compared to the other penalties, Morant has one of the longest bans handed out for any type of behavior.
In a way, the incident with Morant is rather ironic, as the NBA has been known for speaking against gun violence and advocating for gun safety. Many people online seem to agree that Morant rightly deserves his punishment. Of course, it would be ideal that no one had to witness this again, but we can only hope that Morant will change his ways.